Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb W3244 of No.242 Sqn crashed on Bullhope Law near Gifford on the 5th May 1942

Philip Dorrien Seaborne

Sergeant

Pilot

Killed

No.242 Squadron were stationed at RAF Turnhouse near Edinburgh, with a detached flight at RAF Drem in East Lothian. On the 5th May 1942 three aircraft took off on a none operational flight, which air station is not recorded in the Squadron, or Station, record books. After a short time two of the aircraft, having lost contact with W3244 landed at Drem where the loss of contact was reported. The wreckage of the aircraft was later found on the northern side of the Lammermuir Hills to the south of Gifford.

The wreckage of W3244 was gathered together and today lies in a small hollow on the heather clad hillside.This photograph shows a slightly better view towards Hopes Reservoir from the crash site.Among the wreckage are some interesting items, including the very corroded remains of the throttle quadrant from the aircraft.